Minimalist interior design today means much more than bleak white rooms. The resurgence of the style has made “minimalism” an umbrella term, with its offshoots and variations bringing new energy to the movement, yet still falling within the minimalist realm.
From soft minimalists who incorporate warm colours and wood, to luxurious minimalists who add a touch of glamour to simple designs, to designers who see minimalism as a holistic practice, minimalism is no longer so black and white.
To make sense of the ever-evolving style, Instagram is a great source of inspiration and knowledge. “Minimalism is about finding the core,” says Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, founder of Norm Architects in Copenhagen, who practices what he calls “soft minimalism” in architecture and bespoke furniture. “It's a search for the essentials. By eliminating the superfluous, you highlight the core qualities of life, spaces and people. It's a practice of everyday life that has played a pivotal role in many important minimalist cultures throughout history.”
With this definition in mind, we've handpicked some of our favorite minimalist designers to inspire you to incorporate this modern take on minimalism into your own home.
Turner Honeycomb
Social Links Navigation
Content Editor
Oona is an experienced home writer and editor. With an interest in the world of interiors, her Instagram feed has evolved into a curated collection of stylists, bloggers and interior designers, some of her favourites from the world of minimalism.
1. Noam Architects
(Image courtesy of Norm Architects)
Norm is a pioneer of minimalist design. Based in Copenhagen, the birthplace of minimalist design, Norm Architects was founded in 2008 and currently works in interior design, residential architecture, and commercial interiors. Norm's spaces are beautiful, focusing on the simplicity of Scandinavian design, natural materials, and thoughtful architecture. “Our work is sharp and crisp, with an implicit attention to quality, detail, and durability,” explains founder Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen.
“Our approach to minimalism is about eliminating the irrelevant and highlighting what's important in life through tactile design and interiors. Using natural shapes, materials and colours allows us to create spaces and objects that feel good, look good and are built to last, in keeping with ancient aesthetic preferences.”
Follow Norm Architects.
2. Noah Santos
(Image courtesy of Noah Santos)
Noah Santos' interior style is lavish minimalism. Neutral colour palettes, smooth curves and simple lines combine with upscale minimalist décor for a contemporary look that's highly noticeable. The founder of architectural design studio NAINO also has a penchant for raw, textured materials, and a scroll through his Instagram feed is a soothing experience full of creams, greys and muted tones.
Follow Noah Santos.
3. House of Grey
(Image courtesy of House of Grey)
For the founder of House of Grey, minimalist interiors are a way to make our homes holistic spaces through healthy design. These principles dictate that the essentials of the home are ambience, ergonomic design, products and the calm we get from nature. Thus, what we bring into our homes must be essential and sustainable to influence our daily lives. For Louisa, scent presentation is also a key element of interiors, and she also created the interiors of Ffern, a recently opened fragrance shop in Soho. This minimalist living room is characterized by calming colors, shapes and textures. In her work, there is always a great rhythm in interior design.
“In a positive environment, we can truly live in the present,” says founder Louisa Gray, “which brings us to a state of contentment, supports our personal evolution, and helps us become people with fewer wants and needs.”
“This is not an innovation, it's an innate way of life that elevates us to a state of health and wellbeing; it's the future of modern life.”
“We design creative spaces that help the mind and body calm and focus by reducing visual noise and distractions, maximizing space and minimizing clutter.”
Follow House of Grey.
4. Pera Hedeby
(Image credit: Photographer: Andrea Papini, Design: Pella Hadeby)
Another Scandinavian designer who inspires travel aspirations and interior design envy is Pella Hedeby, whose feed is a mix of scenic, vast, and chilling landscapes alongside her latest design projects. The landscape that surrounds Sweden is inextricably intertwined with Pella's work, from the color palette of white, dark brown, cream, and gray she uses to the sustainable practices she preaches, as seen in this minimalist bedroom.
“For me, minimalist decor gives me a sense of peace and harmony,” Pera says. “It reduces distractions and helps me focus on what's really important.”
“And it's a very simple recipe: carefully selected furniture and objects, with materials and textures that add natural warmth. All my pieces include a combination of wooden furniture, stone and linen.”
“Minimalist interiors need a foundational architecture that catches the light during the day, and then just add texture with subtle layers.”
Follow Pella Hedeby.
5. Hey Studio
(Image courtesy of Heju Architecture)
At Heju Studio, minimalism is inspired by a real culture collision: Scandinavian meets Japanese design, born out of a small studio in Paris. We love the soothing curves of this account, which help to soften the starkness that can result from the cold tones. This form of minimalism proves that it can be playful and approachable. It may not fit with the traditional definition of minimalism, but for those new to the field, it's easy to understand and welcome.
Hélène Pinault and Julian Schwartzman met at the National School of Architecture in Strasbourg and founded Haeju Studio in 2015. “We work around straight lines and minimalist volumes to create timeless spaces. Our sensitive and spontaneous approach allows us to optimize spaces as much as possible, challenging norms and conventions and asserting a return to emotion. We strive to infuse poetry into our clients' everyday lives,” they say.
Follow Heju Studio.
6. John Pawson
John Pawson's home in Oxfordshire, England
(Image courtesy of Phaidon)
A quick scroll through architect and minimalist interior designer John Pawson's Instagram will show you how the play of light in interiors and design style are deeply intertwined, how shadows cast different hues at different moments of the day, and how light, contrast and shadow work as minimalist elements in interior design. John's Instagram is a driving force behind why minimalism is a better way to live.
John believes in keeping spaces clean, simple and pure and how it makes us happy, and he says that at a young age, his interest in interior design and architecture soared when he realized how architecture made him feel and what spaces made him feel good to be in. It is this direct correlation between architecture and human happiness and emotions that makes John a minimalist.
Follow John Pawson here.
7. Show
(Image credit: Nune)
Another interior design studio that prioritizes interior well-being is nune , a small design studio based in New York and London that works in residential and commercial properties around the world, focusing on the global environment and creating comfortable, inviting spaces from kitchens to coffee shops.
“We are driven by the simple belief that thoughtful design contributes to well-being,” says founder Sheena Murphy.
“We collaborate with clients, architects, construction teams, artisans and artists to create environments that are enjoyable for the people who live in them. We design with consideration for both the planet and human wellbeing, and we strive to support small businesses doing interesting work.”
Sheena's advice for living in a minimalist home is to be tough and realistic about what you really need, and buy what you love: “Also, make sure you think about your design choices with a strong sense of functionality, so you're always making decisions that are wise and in line with your aesthetic tastes.”
Follow nune on Instagram.
8. Back
(Image credits: Anna Positano, Gaia Cambiaggi | Studio Campo)
At the heart of minimalism, and one of the style's best-known principles, is the practice of reduction and decluttering. “For us, minimalism means going straight to the heart of the materials,” says Luca Scardulla, co-founder of architecture firm llaab.
“Striping down to the essence doesn't mean losing individuality,” says Luca Scardulla. “It's not about abandoning the soul, it's about elevating it, empowering it by reducing it.”
“Space needs to be minimal, yet personal, catering to our specific needs and personalities. We need spaces that make us feel at home and welcome. Our homes are our nests.”
Follow llabb Architects
.
9. Studio Zun
(Image courtesy of Adrian Gaut (@a_gaut). Design: Studio Zung)
14,000 people follow Studio Zung for daily inspiration on design, architecture, interiors and lifestyle. A modern design studio that integrates architecture, interiors and the artistry of living. Celebrating the pillars of minimalism, the team defines themselves as architects, thinkers, designers and makers inspired by holistic lifestyle and sensual, luxurious design.
“In our spaces, we want people to connect with something that touches their innermost, intimate moments,” explains president Tommy Zhang. “True luxury is about the incredible amount of detail, thought, materials and construction that goes into creating something that is simple and purposeful.”
Follow Studio Zung on Instagram.
10. Pinch
(Image courtesy of PINCH)
Finally, while minimalism isn't known for its decorative flair, the shift towards a softer minimalism means that even the most ardent minimalists will be welcoming more decorative furniture into their homes. London-based furniture company, Pinch Design, offers real inspiration for those looking for warmth in their home. From beautiful spherical lights made from banana plant fibre to the oak Rodan oval table, Pinch is a furniture lover's dream account.
Follow Pinch here.